On the go and no time to finish that story right now? Your News is the place for you to save content to read later from any device. Register with us and content you save will appear here so you can access them to read later.

Related articles:

The Department of Conservation's Marine Ranger, Krista Hupman, says it's devastating and could be a "real blow to the population" if orca are hit and even killed when there's less than 250 of the mammals left in New Zealand waters.

"The reason that we should be concerned is that these animals are wild, apex predators that need their space and also we don't want to hit, injure or kill any of these animals."

"People need to understand how lucky we are to even come close to these animals so to ensure that their populations stay stable over time we just need to make sure that we use our common sense."

Dr Visser agrees, and is advocating for more awareness around the laws of the Marine Mammals Protection Act.

Krista Hupman says the main rules are:

1. Stick to a speed of five knots around large marine wildlife2. Keep a 50 metre buffer between your vessel and orca - 200 metres if there is a calf3. Keep their pathway clear - don't obstruct their route4. A maximum of 3 vessels to surround or be near mammals (a kayak is also a vessel)5. Don't swim with orca

While Dr Visser encourages people to see and enjoy marine animals in their native habitat she says it should be done at a respectful distance so the wild creatures have space to move freely.

"You don't crowd wildlife animals in shallow water because they have to come up and breathe."

If orca do come close she says boats can go out of gear to avoid striking the mammal, but skippers must ensure there are no orca near their boat before starting the propeller again.

"It comes down to common sense, holding a steady course and steady speed of five knots means objects in the water become "predictable for orca to navigate around".

"It's really simple and really effective".

Anyone caught harassing or injuring orca faces a fine of up to $250,000 - or jail time.

Members of the public are being urged by DOC to report any marine animal harassment case to 0800 DOC HOT.

Sightings, strandings and entanglements of Orca can be reported to the Orca Research Trust (www.orcaresearch.org) by calling 0800 SEE ORCA